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Istanbul: Perfect day

10am Start with an early tour of the Hagia Sophia and admire the monumental mosaics, before gasping at the carvings hidden within the Yerebatan Sarnıcı

11am Be humbled by the ethereal feel of the Blue Mosque; be sure to dress appropriately

1pm Locals love Sultanahmet Köftecisi on Divanyolu Caddesi for its excellent traditional meatballs, a Turkish speciality; this neighbourhood favourite doesn’t take credit cards, so ensure you bring so cash

3pm Catch a sightseeing cruise from Eminönü up the Bosphorus and check out the yalıs (Turkish waterside mansions) 8pm Book a table at Mikla atop the Marmara Pera hotel to experience the creations of renowned Istanbul experimental chef Mehmet Gürs

10am Start with an early tour of the Hagia Sophia and admire the monumental mosaics, before gasping at the carvings hidden within the Yerebatan Sarnıcı

11am Be humbled by the ethereal feel of the Blue Mosque; be sure to dress appropriately

1pm Locals love Sultanahmet Köftecisi on Divanyolu Caddesi for its excellent traditional meatballs, a Turkish speciality; this neighbourhood favourite doesn’t take credit cards, so ensure you bring so cash

3pm Catch a sightseeing cruise from Eminönü up the Bosphorus and check out the yalıs (Turkish waterside mansions) 8pm Book a table at Mikla atop the Marmara Pera hotel to experience the creations of renowned Istanbul experimental chef Mehmet Gürs

10am Start with an early tour of the Hagia Sophia and admire the monumental mosaics, before gasping at the carvings hidden within the Yerebatan Sarnıcı

11am Be humbled by the ethereal feel of the Blue Mosque; be sure to dress appropriately

1pm Locals love Sultanahmet Köftecisi on Divanyolu Caddesi for its excellent traditional meatballs, a Turkish speciality; this neighbourhood favourite doesn’t take credit cards, so ensure you bring so cash

3pm Catch a sightseeing cruise from Eminönü up the Bosphorus and check out the yalıs (Turkish waterside mansions) 8pm Book a table at Mikla atop the Marmara Pera hotel to experience the creations of renowned Istanbul experimental chef Mehmet Gürs